The Philadelphia Eagles have an opportunity to deliver a hearty blow to a divisional rival Monday night, but Washington has the pieces to push back against the Birds.

Though Philly beat them, 30-17, in the season opener last month, the Redskins have rebounded admirably over the past five weeks. At 3-2, Washington stands as perhaps the most dangerous challenger to Philadelphia (5-1) in the NFC East and has proven its worth with victories over the Raiders and Rams.

The Eagles, though, would strengthen their grip on the division lead with a fifth-straight win Monday. And if they sweep the season’s two games against the Redskins, the Birds would be in position to hold any tiebreakers over another NFC contender, which could come in handy this winter.

So, there’s little doubt that this game is a crucial one for the Eagles. And here are seven of their players who could play especially important roles in dictating the outcome:

LB Nigel Bradham

Nigel Bradham

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

Bradham enjoyed perhaps his best game of the season last week against the Panthers, chipping in on 10 tackles and making several standout plays in coverage. But he’ll face a stiff test Monday as he aims to help the Birds contain shifty Redskins running back Chris Thompson.

With tight end Jordan Reed and slot receiver Jamison Crowder battling injuries, Thompson has emerged as one of Washington’s most dynamic offensive weapons; he has 175 rushing yards and 340 receiving yards this season. While he won’t be the only Birds player covering Thompson on Monday (Jordan Hicks, if healthy, will take on the task, as well), Bradham will get plenty of cracks at Washington’s versatile playmaker, and Philly will count on him to replicate his success from last week.